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Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had taken the initiatives to develop grid connected power plants from renewable sources. Power from renewables is infirm depending on the vagaries of seasonal changes. Major thrust areas of grid connected power were biomass, bagasse based cogeneration, small hydro and wind.

Though Europe has lost its way, America and the UN could reinvigorate efforts to curb climate change. (Editorial)

Solar lanterns were promoted specially for use in rural un-electrified villages. Costing Rs 2,000- 5,000 for a 7-11 watt power lamp, it requires little maintenance. A solar lantern is made of three main components

India has had mixed results with its solar programme. The government is now gearing up to launch several mega schemes to harness this abundant source. The solar mission aims to do exactly that. Industry has also shown interest in tapping this energy source of the future. Technology and financing, though, remain question marks. How can India realize its solar dream? Picture thousands of solar

The main component that converts photons into electricity in a solar PV is the layer of silicon semiconductors. In 2007, the solar PV industry along with the semiconductor industry consumed some 38,000 tonnes of poly-silicon. This grew to 58,000 tonnes in 2007. Increasing demand has led to price jump of more than 100 per cent from US $20 per kg in 2001 to US $50 in 2006. The future of PV

Despite several schemes, both centrally and state sponsored, to promote solar water heaters sales have been low. A major reason has been a lack of trust on the quality of device supplied by the government appointed manufacturers. Under a central subsidy scheme of the MNRE a soft loan is made available at the rate of two per cent for domestic users, three per cent for institutional users and five

The Clean Development Mechanism must be amended. What shape should it take? The Clean Development Mechanism (cdm) is up for review and there are several proposals to reform the process. The mechanism has always been under severe criticism, since its inception, on various accounts, ranging from its philosophical principles to its administration. The mechanism was created to help

Solar photovoltaics is the fastest growing area in the energy sector. Of the us $71 billion invested in renewables worldwide in 2007, 30 per cent was in solar pv. According to market analysts, between 2007 and 2011, this industry is poised to grow at a whopping 73 per cent. By March 2007, India had 120 mw of installed pv capacity. However, less than 2.5 mw is generated by grid-connected